5 Hidden Gems to Visit at Oxford Open Doors 2025

Oxford Open Doors is one of the best weekends to explore the historic city, and there is always more to see than you’d probably expect. To help you find 2025’s hidden gems, we’ve put together a list of special places to explore with no booking required.

1. Oxford County Hall

Have you ever wondered what a courtroom really looks like? Or are you fascinated by crime and justice? On both Saturday and Sunday, you can step inside the courtrooms that once tried prisoners from HMP Oxford and Oxford County Gaol, now part of Oxford Castle & Prison and the Malmaison.

For Oxford Open Doors 2025, you’ll hear stories of those sentenced here, see graffiti on the holding cell walls, and even walk down the same tunnels that prisoners once used to face their fate.

Date: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th September 2025

Tours: 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30 and 15:30

Entry: First-come, first-served – so arrive early to secure a spot.

Accessibility: Wheelchair access is available for the courtrooms. The tunnels can only be reached by stairs. For further details, contact Oxfordshire County Council (01865 792422).

2. Rewley Road Fire Station

Step behind the scenes at Oxford’s biggest fire station and meet the firefighters who keep the city safe. Across the weekend, you can expect action-packed demonstrations, from car crashes and house fire rescues to the chance to climb aboard brand-new fire engines. Families will especially love the hands-on activities, and you won’t want to miss “Soak the Firefighter”!

Date: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th September 2025

Time: 10:00 – 16:00 each day

Entry: No booking required – just turn up.

Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible. Toilets are available, including accessible toilets. Please note there is no on-site parking.

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3. Oxford Castle & Prison and the Castleyard

We know Oxford for its spires and scholars, but the city also has a darker past of crime, justice, and prison reform. This year, you can explore over 1,000 years of history at Oxford Castle & Prison – including the base of St George’s Tower, the crypt (said to be the city’s most haunted site), and the Victorian D-wing, where costumed guides will bring stories to life.

In the Castleyard, expect medieval music, stone carving demonstrations, a display of classic cars, and hands-on activities like plaster moulding.

Date: Saturday 13th (Stone Carvers & Conservation Skills with Cliveden Conservation) & Sunday 14th (Oxford Castle & Prison, Stone Carvers & Classic Cars) 2025

Time: 10:00 – 17:00 (last entry to Oxford Castle & Prison at 16:00)

Entry: This is a drop-in event, though queues are likely.

Accessibility: Ramp and lift access to most areas. The crypt has uneven flooring and is accessed by stairs, but a lift is available. You can find out more on our accessibility page. The Castleyard activities are fully accessible, and accessible toilets are available.

Bonus mention: Walk Along Love Lane

For those who love secret places, this might be the ultimate Oxford Open Doors experience. Love Lane, an ancient footpath closed to the public for over 100 years, will be open for guided tours. Running from Holywell Lane past Wadham College to the University Parks, it was once a favourite spot for courting couples in the 18th and 19th centuries – so much so that it gained a scandalous reputation and even had a policeman stationed there day and night.

Date: Saturday 13th September 2025

Time: 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00, and 16:00

Entry: This event is first-come, first-served. Arrive 5–10 minutes early to avoid missing out.

Accessibility: It is an uneven surface not suitable for wheelchair users or for people with mobility difficulties. Sturdy shoes are recommended.

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4. Magdalen College School Gardens

Often described as one of Oxford’s most beautiful gardens, these private college grounds will be open for a short time during Open Doors. Stroll through the rose garden, cross the white bridges, and enjoy the tranquil green spaces before autumn takes hold.

Date: Sunday 14th September 2025

Time: 12:00 – 16:00 (last entry 15:30)

Entry: Arrive early as it’s expected to be very popular!

Accessibility: Full level access across the site.

5. Harris Manchester College

Have you heard of this hidden gem? One of Oxford’s smaller colleges, Harris Manchester, is full of character. Highlights include stunning pre-Raphaelite stained-glass windows, a beautifully curated library, and peaceful gardens to wander through.

Date: Saturday 13th September 2025

Time: 10:00 – 16:00

Accessibility: The Garden and chapel are fully accessible. The library and dining hall involve steps, so access is limited for those with mobility difficulties. Accessible toilets are available.

Enjoy Oxford Open Doors 2025

If you visit any of these gems, don’t forget to share your photos and tag Oxford Preservation Trust and us on Facebook or Instagram. You can also find us on TikTok at @OxfordCastle. 📸

Enjoy exploring Oxford, and we’ll see you again next year!